GIS vendor Esri says it will offer free help to agencies dealing with a major disaster — whether or not that organization is an Esri customer. The company is currently providing help to governments coping with flooding in Louisiana and wildfires in California.

“Esri’s Disaster Response Program provides software support, data support, and consulting/technical support for active disasters,” Russ Johnson, director, global director for emergency response at Esri said in an emailed statement

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That can include creating real-time maps with road-closing and evacuation-route information, mapping affected areas and available relief supplies, and incorporating social media posts from disaster areas with useful on-the-ground information.

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